A Home So Energy Efficient It Pays You
We all know a thing or two about reducing emissions at home. But why bother turning off the lights and conserving water when you can just buy a home that is completely self-sufficient? That’s the question that architectural firm Sheppard Robson asked when building “The Lighthouse,” a completely carbon neutral home.
The two bedroom home features special insulation that retains 60% more heat. Solar panels capture enough light to generate it’s own electricity. Water efficiency comes in the form of harvested rainwater. What about human waste, you ask? A built-in separation system automatically removes combustible waste materials, providing yet another source of energy.
In fact, it has so much energy that it feeds the grid. That means the electric company pays you for all the excess energy you’re providing them. I’d imagine that would only be in cases where you didn’t leave all the lights on for days on end, but it’s still a pretty huge bonus.
So all that goodness for the environment, what’s the catch? Well, let’s just say they aren’t making them for a song and a dance. The materials and building costs chalk up to almost double the cost of the average home.
Just like Nintendo, you’re likely to get your hands on one after a couple thousand are made. And be rest assured, by that time the electricity company will find an innovative way to take the same amount of money out of your pocket. But at least by that time it’ll be good for the environment!
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LisaB said
am February 22 2008 @ 9:07 am
In terms of design I think the thing looks kind of ugly. It also looks like it’s pretty small inside.
Jerad Kaliher said
am February 22 2008 @ 7:09 pm
@LisaB, you are right – it’s only about 1,000 square feet of living space. I’m not too sure that it’s ugly though. In terms of modern design I think it holds its own. Not as chic as some of the ‘cutting edge’ designs, but also not up there with those luxurious pricetags.
William White said
am March 2 2008 @ 6:54 am
Lean on the details folks. I live in Canada where there is winter, will it work? Orientation? How about all those stairs, there has to be a way to avoid that BS. What’s it made of? Has it ever been built? What does the person who lives in it think of it?
My idea is to build a well insulated core for winter with summer rooms and unheated storage connected to allow a hibernation area and room for all my junk.
Reality is what’s missing in this picture.
Matt in Fort Worth said
am March 12 2008 @ 8:18 am
The house looks pretty cool, but at a 1000 sqft its for a couple only.
Jerad Kaliher said
am March 12 2008 @ 1:09 pm
@Matt in Fort Worth, yeah 1,000 sq feet is cutting it kind of close for me too. I’m in a little over that now and already feel like I’m living in a shoe box.
petnos said
am March 16 2008 @ 11:19 pm
cool idea. i need something like that too.
Ana in San Antonio said
am June 13 2008 @ 11:52 am
I love the house, looks pretty cool. However, it is a tight fit.